Neha Dixit’s book, The Many Lives of Syeda X, provides a look into the lives of marginalised migrant workers, especially women, in Delhi. 

Dixit explores the intersecting issues of labour, gender, and politics, highlighting the severe challenges faced by these workers.

In her interview with Newslaundry managing editor Manisha Pande, she addresses the disparity in wages and the difficulty of discussing issues like sexual harassment when basic survival needs are unmet. She also criticises the lack of political will to tackle sexual violence against women. 

Dixit says, “Within the unorganised sector, the cheap female labour economy that exists, they get one-fifth of the daily wage. How do you start talking about sexual harassment when the immediate need is to put food on the table.” 

Watch.

By the way, it will soon be a year since Hamas’ October 7 attack. Contribute to our new NL Sena project to help us bring an exclusive mini-series that examines the multiple dimensions of the Israel-Gaza war from ground zero.